Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) recently announced that the airline will add three additional Boeing 747-400 Freighters aircraft to the existing operating agreement with Atlas Air, Inc., a member of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Atlas Air).

Atlas Air Worldwide is a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services. It is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc., Southern Air Holdings, Inc. and Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc., and is the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc.

In total, Atlas Air will operate five B747-400F aircraft for NCA under the strategic partnership. Both parties will jointly utilize these B747-400F aircraft to enhance a mutually beneficial relationship. In addition, NCA will continue to operate a fleet of eight B747-8F aircraft.

Hitoshi Oshika, President and Chief Executive Officer, NCA, said “The partnership with Atlas has enabled NCA to expand our network to capture growth opportunities throughout Asia. The addition of these three aircraft will allow NCA to provide our customers with additional air freight capacity especially for the growing e-commerce business.”

“We are delighted to grow our partnership with Nippon Cargo Airlines,” said William J. Flynn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “NCA has selected Atlas Air to operate its entire 747-400F fleet, and we look forward to continuing to provide NCA and its customers with an unmatched service and a platform for future global expansion.”

The incremental aircraft will be operated on key routes across the fast-growing transpacific market, and are scheduled to enter service in April, July and September 2019.